Saturday, March 28, 2009

Proverbs 28:1 "The wiched man flees though no one pursues, the righteous are as bold as a lion"

Why are the righteous bold? The righteous man doesn't have to cover his tracks. He doesn't have to look over his shoulder looking for those who are trying to get revenge and retribution for some foolish or evil act. He is not held back by the consequences of a sinful lifestyle.

The righteous are on the right side. They are on God's side. When you are walking righteously you are walking in step with God's principles and God's principles work. With Him on your side you cannot lose. Ultimately the righteous will come out on top. They will experience abundant joy and fruitfulness.

Thursday, March 26, 2009

A fool? A sluggard? Certainly those labels don't stick to any of us. Or do they?

A fool: Are we like him in any way or to any degree?Verse 1: Are we honorable? Does that description stick on us to any degree?Verse 2: Do we have the kind of character that a curse can’t stick to? Do we have character that is above reproach and beyond the consequences of folly?Verse 3: Do we need outside prodding, cajoling, motivating, correction and discipline? Or are we a person of initiative, self-control, self motivation, and healthy introspection? Are we proactive?Verse 4: Do we ever do or say things that are just not worth a response? Do we say or do things that disgust or frustrate others? It is so stupid that, to give a response, would cause them to stoop to the level of a fool?Verse 5: Do we need someone to intervene in our life with words that shake us back into reality? Are we missing the point? Are we always right? Do we admit wrong? Are we the kind of person that needs to be hit on the side of the head?Verse 6: Are we dependable and responsible? Do we take seriously the desires of our wife and children? Are we always disappointing people? Do people feel safe and confident when they are counting on us?

The Sluggard: Are we like him in any way or to any degree? Are we sluggish?Verse 13: Are we always coming up with excuses for our inactivity, our lack of progress or lack of victory in an area? Enough with the fierce lions in the street excuses!Verse 14: Are we always spinning our wheels but not getting any where? Do we give lip service to change in our life? Are we all talk and no action? Do we give token energy to our goals or projects when subconsciously we know we have no intention to keep going to the end? Stop turning in the bed and get out of the room!Verse 15: Are we always grasping but not finding satisfaction? Do we have a heart of discontent? Do we want change but don’t want to make the effort to make changes? If we want the cookie we’ve got to let go. Start by giving thanks for what we do have.Verse 16: Are we self deceived? Look in the mirror. Better yet, spend time in the Scriptures, prayer and fasting. Ask seven wise, godly people to share one area in your life in which you need to grow.